Cold War: Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, and Key Events

The Cold War: Key Policies and Events

The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies. Here's a look at some key events and policies:

The Truman Doctrine

Introduced in 1947 by President Harry Truman, the Truman Doctrine aimed to defend democracies against the spread of communism.

The Marshall Plan

Also introduced in 1947, the Marshall Plan was designed to help European countries rebuild their economies after World War II.

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Established in 1949, NATO is a military alliance between the USA and Western Bloc countries.

The Warsaw Pact

Formed in 1955, the Warsaw Pact was a military alliance between the USSR and Eastern Bloc countries, including Albania, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, and the German Democratic Republic.

The People’s Republic of China

The People’s Republic of China was established in 1949 after Mao Zedong won the civil war. Mao introduced a single-party communist dictatorship and remained in power until his death in 1976. He was known as Chairman Mao Zedong. In 1958, Mao introduced The Great Leap Forward, an initiative to transform China from an agrarian economy to an industrial economy. This initiative failed and caused the death of around 20 million peasants as a result of the Great Famine.

The Cultural Revolution

In 1966, Mao launched The Cultural Revolution, a campaign of oppression to remove enemies of the state.

The Cuban Revolution

Fidel Castro led the revolution in Cuba to overthrow a military dictatorship. He led his guerilla movement, called the 26th of July Movement, to victory on January 1, 1959. Castro was supported by his brother Raúl and the Argentinian Ernesto “Che” Guevara. Castro introduced a communist regime and received support from the USSR. In 1961, the USA broke off diplomatic relations with Cuba due to Cuba's ties with the USSR. Castro remained in power until 2008.

The Cold War Defined

The Cold War is the name given to a period of rivalry and tension between the USA and the USSR as they competed for power, wealth, and areas to expand their influence. This period was characterized by a Nuclear arms race, the Space Race, and the formation of military alliances like NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

The Space Race: 1955-1975

• Sputnik 1: Russia launched the first artificial satellite into space in 1957.
• Yuri Gagarin: Russia sent the first man into space in 1961.
• In 1969, the American Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the Moon.
• In 1975, the space race ended when the USA and the USSR agreed to work together.